Huw Silk

Kettering Council has received tens of thousands of pounds extra from motorists in the past two years – because its parking meters are not configured to give change.

The authority received a total of £44,999.50 in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 financial years.

That figure represents just over three per cent of the total income to the council from the six car parks it runs.

None of the car parks has a machine which is configured to give change to drivers.

In its response to the request made by the Northants Telegraph, Kettering Council said it had introduced PaybyPhone systems and credit and debit card payment facilities which allow for payment of the exact parking charge.

However, it is likely the amount overspent by people who don’t have change will shrink in the coming years because parking charges were reduced by the authority from April 1 this year.

Charges have been frozen at £1.50 for two hours at the London Road car park and reduced to £1 for an hour – from £1.15 – at the other five.

The council’s cabinet, which said cutting the charge will cost the authority £140,000 in lost revenue, hopes motorists will find it easier to pay the exact amount.

Corby Council said its system did not allow for the recording of how much has been overpaid. Parking is free in Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire.